The present disclosure relates to the field of clutch mechanism.
More particularly the present disclosure relates to a clutch mechanism for expansion and retraction of legs of a space vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in
understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the
information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed
invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Retraction and expansion of landing legs of the space vehicles such
as Falcon 9 model rocket is a tedious task due to the heavy weight of the rocket. Conventionally, cranes and hydraulic systems are used for the manual retraction of the landing legs. The hydraulic system legs are inefficient due to high maintenance cost, high manpower and time consumption. The lack of break in the legs can sometime cause accidental falling of the leg and even toppling of the rocket, limiting the rocket to the earth.
[0004] There is, therefore, a need of an improved mechanism for
expansion and retraction of legs of the space vehicle.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0005] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one
embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a clutch
mechanism for operating legs of space vehicle.
[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a clutch
mechanism for operating legs of space vehicle, which is efficient.
[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a clutch
mechanism for operating legs of space vehicle, which is cost effective.

[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a clutch
mechanism for operating legs of space vehicle, which requires less maintenance cost.
SUMMARY
[0010] The present disclosure relates to the field of clutch mechanism.
More particularly the present disclosure relates to a clutch mechanism for
expansion and retraction of legs of a space vehicle.
[0011] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a clutch mechanism
adapted to be configured with a leg of a space vehicle. The clutch mechanism
includes a rotor configured at a centre of the clutch mechanism. A first circular
member, having one or more extensions at an outer circumference of the first
circular member, operatively configured with the rotor. A rotation of the rotor in a
first direction facilitates a rotation of the first circular member in the first
direction. A second circular member having one or more cavities corresponding to
the one or more extensions. When the rotor rotates in the first direction, the first
circular member is expanded outwards such that the one or more extensions of the
first circular member are engaged with the one or more cavities of the second
circular member facilitating rotation of the second circular member in the first
direction.
[0012] In an aspect, the second circular member may be operatively
configured with the leg of the space vehicle, wherein the leg is configured to
move between a first position and a second position.
[0013] In an aspect, the first position may be extended position and the
second position is the retracted position.
[0014] In an aspect, the rotation of the second circular member in the first
direction may facilitate switching the leg from the first position to the second
position.
[0015] In an aspect, the rotation of the rotor in a second direction, opposite
to the first direction, may facilitate rotation of the second circular member in the

second direction and may facilitate switching of leg from the second position to
the first position.
[0016] In an aspect, an input circuit may be configured to provide an input
power to the rotor.
[0017] In an aspect, the first direction may be a clockwise direction and
the second direction may be anti-clockwise direction.
[0018] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive
subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description
of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which
like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.
[0020] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the
same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0021] FIG. 1A illustrates exemplary representation of a clutch
mechanism when one or more extensions are not engaged with one or more projections and FIG. IB illustrates exemplary representation of a clutch mechanism when one or more extensions are engaged with one or more projections, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary representation of the clutch
mechanism integrated with leg of space vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 3A-C illustrates an exemplary representation of an input
circuit providing input power to the clutch mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the
disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0025] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth
in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present
invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the
present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0026] The present disclosure relates to the field of clutch mechanism.
More particularly the present disclosure relates to a clutch mechanism for expansion and retraction of legs of a space vehicle.
[0027] The present disclosure elaborates upon a clutch mechanism
adapted to be configured with a leg of a space vehicle. The clutch mechanism includes a rotor configured at a centre of the clutch mechanism. A first circular member, having one or more extensions at an outer circumference of the first circular member, operatively configured with the rotor. A rotation of the rotor in a first direction facilitates a rotation of the first circular member in the first direction. A second circular member having one or more cavities corresponding to the one or more extensions. When the rotor rotates in the first direction, the first circular member is expanded outwards such that the one or more extensions of the first circular member are engaged with the one or more cavities of the second

circular member facilitating rotation of the second circular member in the first
direction.
[0028] In an embodiment, the second circular member may be operatively
configured with the leg of the space vehicle, wherein the leg is configured to
move between a first position and a second position.
[0029] In an embodiment, the first position may be extended position and
the second position is the retracted position.
[0030] In an embodiment, the rotation of the second circular member in
the first direction may facilitate switching the leg from the first position to the
second position.
[0031] In an embodiment, the rotation of the rotor in a second direction,
opposite to the first direction, may facilitate rotation of the second circular
member in the second direction and may facilitate switching of leg from the
second position to the first position.
[0032] In an embodiment, an input circuit may be configured to provide
an input power to the rotor.
[0033] In an embodiment, the first direction may be a clockwise direction
and the second direction may be anti-clockwise direction.
[0034] FIG. 1A illustrates exemplary representation of a clutch
mechanism when one or more extensions are not engaged with one or more
projections and FIG. IB illustrates exemplary representation of a clutch
mechanism when one or more extensions are engaged with one or more
projections, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary representation of the clutch
mechanism integrated with leg of space vehicle, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0036] As illustrated, a clutch mechanism 100 adapted to be configured
with a leg of a space vehicle can include a rotor 102 configured at a centre of the
clutch mechanism. The space vehicle can include but without limiting to an
aircraft, falcon 9 rocket. A first circular member 104 can be operatively
configured with the rotor 102. A rotation of the rotor 102 in a first direction

facilitates a rotation of the first circular member 104 in the first direction. The first circular member 104 can include one or more extensions 106 at an outer circumference of the first circular member 104,
[0037] In an embodiment, a second circular member 108 can include one
or more cavities 110 corresponding to the one or more extensions 106 of the first
circular member 104. When the rotor 102 rotates in the first direction, the first
circular member 104 can expand outwards, due to centrifugal force, such that the
one or more extensions 106 of the first circular member 104 can be engaged with
the one or more cavities 110 of the second circular member 108. This can
facilitate rotation of the second circular member 108 in the first direction.
[0038] In an embodiment, the second circular member 108 can be
operatively configured with the leg 112 of the space vehicle. There can be more than one legs 112-1, 112-2...112-n (collectively referred as legs 112, and individually referred as leg 112). The leg is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The first position can be extended position and the second position can be a retracted position. The rotation of the second circular member 108 in the first direction can facilitate switching the leg 112 from the first position to the second position.
[0039] In an embodiment, the rotation of the rotor 102 in a second
direction, opposite to the first direction, can facilitate rotation of the second circular member 108 in the second direction and can facilitate switching of leg 112 from the second position to the first position. The first direction can be a clockwise direction and the second direction can be anti-clockwise direction. The rotor 102 can be configured to receive an input power from an input circuit. The input circuit can include a relay that can be but without limiting to KS2E-M-DC5. The relay can facilitate opening one electrical circuit at a moment and closing the other at the same time.
[0040] FIG. 3A-C illustrates an exemplary representation of an input
circuit providing input power to the clutch mechanism.
[0041] As illustrated, relays are the switches which aim at closing and
opening the circuits electronically as well as electromechanically, and converting

small electrical stimuli into larger currents using electromagnetism. Capacitor is a
passive two-terminal electrical component which is used to store energy
electrostatically in an electric field. This has been specifically used to reduce the
voltage pulsation in the circuit. FIG. 3A illustrates a case, when no current is
flowing through the circuit. FIG. 3B illustrates a case, when the Switch S3 opens
the current flowing in the circuit through the relay in one direction, thus the motor
given positive 9994 rpm output. The positive feedback represents the direction of
the rotating motor. FIG. 3B illustrates a case, when the Switch S3 opens the
current flowing in the circuit through the relay in the other direction, thus the
motor gives negative 9994 rpm output. The negative feedback represents that the
motor is rotating in another direction prior to the earlier case.
[0042] The present disclosure provies a clutch mechanicm for opeartion of
legs of the space vehicle. The proposed mechism allows an easy and efficient operation of the legs as compared to conventional ones. The present disclosure converts circular motion of the second circular member in to a linear motion of the legs facilitating expansion and retraction of the legs depending upon direction of rotation of the second circular member.
[0043] Moreover, in interpreting the specification, all terms should be
interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ....and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[0044] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the
invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described

embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0045] The proposed invention provides a clutch mechanism for operating
legs of space vehicle.
[0046] The proposed invention provides a clutch mechanism for operating
legs of space vehicle, which is efficient.
[0047] The proposed invention provides a clutch mechanism for operating
legs of space vehicle, which is cost effective.
[0048] The proposed invention provides a clutch mechanism for operating
legs of space vehicle, which requires less maintenance cost.

We Claim:

1. A clutch mechanism adapted to be configured with a leg of a space
vehicle, the clutch mechanism comprising:
a rotor configured at a centre of the clutch mechanism;
a first circular member, having one or more extensions at an outer circumference of the first circular member, operatively configured with the rotor, wherein a rotation of the rotor in a first direction facilitates a rotation of the first circular member in the first direction;
a second circular member having one or more cavities corresponding to the one or more extensions, wherein when the rotor rotates in the first direction, the first circular member is expanded outwards such that the one or more extensions of the first circular member are engaged with the one or more cavities of the second circular member facilitating rotation of the second circular member in the first direction.
2. The clutch mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second circular member is operatively configured with the leg of the space vehicle, wherein the leg is configured to move between a first position and a second position.
3. The clutch mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first position is extended position, and the second position is the retracted position.
4. The clutch mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotation of the second circular member in the first direction facilitates switching the leg from the first position to the second position.
5. The clutch mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotation of the rotor in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, facilitates rotation of the second circular member in the second direction and facilitates switching of leg from the second position to the first position.
6. The clutch mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein an input circuit is configured to provide an input power to the rotor.

7. The clutch mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first direction is a clockwise direction, and the second direction is anti-clockwise direction.